Postgame analysis: Jags offense shows some life, but defense comes up short vs. Chargers

The Jags offense had a better showing Week 7, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to stop the Chargers strong offensive surge from winning the game.

The Jacksonville Jaguars came up short in yet another trip to face the Los Angeles Chargers on the West Coast, ending their Week 7 game with a score of 39-29. The loss moved the team to a 1-5 record while the Chargers acquired their second win of the 2020 season.

Week 7’s battle was one that was a little on the wacky side, having it’s up and down moments, but the Jags at least made it watchable for their fans. Their offense in particular had some highlight moments, despite the questionable play at quarterback courtesy of quarterback Gardner Minshew II.

The star for the Jags in Sunday’s losing effort was undoubtedly running back James Robinson, who finished the game with an impressive stat line of 22 carries for 119 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground. He also contributed a touchdown reception along with four catches for 18 yards.

While the Jags didn’t win, the rookie further proved he’s an ascending star in the league. His performance on Sunday gave him the most receptions of any undrafted running back in NFL history throughout seven games. He also posted the most yards from scrimmage of any undrafted player throughout seven games along with a few other notable feats on the day.

Robinson’s efforts (along with a few others) ultimately gave the Jags a second quarter surge to put the game at 16-14 heading into the half. That momentum carried into the third quarter as safety Daniel Thomas blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown.

Before the third quarter could end, the Jags’ defense was able to answer more adversity with a 28-yard Chris Conley touchdown reception, putting the score at 27-22 in favor of the Jags. The pass was Minshew’s best of the day as he dropped it in the bucket for Conley to hit in stride. The Jags also went for a successful 2-point conversion afterward, putting the game at a score of 29-22.

Unfortunately, the defense gave up an easy touchdown to receiver Jalen Guyton on a 70-yard bomb up the sideline from rookie quarterback Justin Herbert. The Jags also had a fumbled kickoff return by receiver Dede Westbrook, which set the Chargers up for an eventual rushing touchdown by Herbert for five yards.

At the 6:26 mark of the fourth quarter, the Chargers were also able to kick a field goal, which put the score at its final figure.

Overall, this loss probably should be pinned on the Jags’ defense, which once again allowed over 30 points. They also allowed over 480 yards once again, which made for some very difficult circumstances. Add in a key turnover on special, which was the only one of the day, and the Jags had the perfect recipe for another loss.

Thankfully, the team will now get to rest after their tough battle in Los Angeles as their bye week is now here. Once they return for Week 9, they will have a divisional game against the 1-5 Houston Texans on Sunday, Nov. 8.